Janitors march for wages

April 26, 2012

LOS ANGELES — Hundreds of janitors took to the streets yesterday in order to visualize their demands for higher wages, healthcare coverage and respect, according to ATVN-TV.

"I am barely surviving as it is, and if they lower my salary, it will affect me even more because I would [not] have the money [to pay] my rent, my insurance and to feed my children and my family," said worker Jose Peralta.

The movement to push for higher pay comes as the statewide contract for janitors that are members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) expires at the end of April, the article stated.

According to the article, more than 2,500 affected workers have already agreed to strike if a new contract agreement is not reached by May 1.

"The janitors are prepared to strike, and the strike will last as long as it takes in order to create the crisis necessary so the property owners respond to the needs," said SEIU representative David Huerta.